The big 5

This last month has probably brought about the biggest change in Ava. While she mastered the art of rolling from back to front we were awakened numerous times in the night as she fought her way out of her swaddle. So, we slowly weaned her by letting her "break out" but not going in to reswaddle her and instead just let her cry it out for awhile. We had never swaddled her for naps so a slow weaning with the arm transitioning wouldn't work. Amazingly this was very successful and we had her weaned from the swaddle in 3 nights. She's also been rejecting the binky for the last several weeks so now we only hear her fuss at night if she's managed to get herself into a corner and can't get out.

Now, that being said...

Ava is possessed by the devil. In fact, I'm so convinced, that I've wondered if she needs an exorcism. This past week I have been completely unable to leave her sight, AND, if I'm not directly interacting with her (and she would prefer to be held upright facing out) then I am subjected to the most blood curdling screams imaginable. WORSE than when she gets her shots. In fact, I even called my mom on one occasion to ask what I should do...let her cry, or indulge her in her tantrum? I mean, I'm all about loving my baby and all, but it's totally uncalled for. Big tears and all. (Don't you dare feel sorry for her either...) Even Chris was subjected to it today and he couldn't believe his ears. Short of wearing her on my body I don't know what to do. My mom thought maybe she just wants to be upright and that I need an exersaucer. Anyone have one to loan?

Ok, so maybe I'm being a little harsh. I'll be damned if I don't love the little booger, despite her tantrums. She's been a total riot with her giggles, and new wiggles. I told Chris just tonight that I bet if she got some momentum going she could scoot herself all the way across the room just by bucking her back. She's also pulling on everything...hair, the food on your plate, pamphlets at Lowes...you name it. We've managed to get her to sit upright on her own for about 3 seconds. She hasn't figured out how to brace herself on her arms (probably because she'd prefer to grab at the carpet, or her feet, or anything within a foot radius.)

Oh, and here's a funny story. The other day, it was hot and Ava was sweaty so I put her in the crib in only her diaper. (We use cloth, so this consists of a cloth square folded and held together by 'snappi' then covered with a plastic wrapper...I tell you this so you can visualize that I walked in on.) So, after her nap I hear her usual chatter and self-talk. I waited 10 minutes or so to see if she'd go back to sleep. Upon entering her room (which is dark) I see she's got something in her mouth. As soon as she sees me she starts waving her sucking object at me. NO! It was her diaper! Pee and all! She had somehow managed to rip open her velcro straps, unhook the snappi and remove her peepee diaper...and then proceeded to suck on it. I'm not sure if I should be impressed at her ingenuity or disgusted by her choice in appetizers. Luckily, there was no poop (see below).

She's worked her way up to cereal twice a day and we just added sweet potatoes a few days ago. Unfortunately, she's now pooping what she's eating...GROSS! The downside of solids (besides the diapers) is she's not interested in the bottle and will just roll the nipple around her mouth and try to chew it. What used to take 15 minutes to eat, now takes 45 due to the bottle-tongue wrestling match.

I am also still doing the pumping thing because she doesn't want to nurse. I don't even attempt it unless it's in the middle of the night. Basically I'm doing this because it's free and I'm cheap. Screw the "breast is best" theory. If it was best she'd take what was good for her. However, I'm not sure if I can continue this for 7 more months. (But it is a routine now and I do produce enough to still store extra in the freezer, and did I mention it's free?)

Now, if only we can hear "ma ma" and "da da"...